2) Because Mayor Ken was always a tireless campaigner for gay rights, and when he set up his London agencies they all reflected this (and Mayor Boris also places a premium on gay-friendliness in power); and

3) Because world-leading corporates and government departments based in London see the opportunity as a recruitment tool.

This year the number of entries hit record levels, so how did London fare?

Well, all the headlines for 'top employer' went to Lloyds TSB. As a UK-wide body they have a number of branches in London and they were the first domestic sponsor for London 2012 - so we are going to be naughty and claim them as our own (so nur). Highlights from the list coming up:

10 Home Office (+4) (the top of many Government Departments on the list)

13 Goldman Sachs (+25) (the top of many City institutions on the list)

14 London Fire Brigade (-1)

35 Met Police

39 Newham College

43 London Development Agency

48 Thames Valley Police

77 London Borough of Islington

Questions are raised when we have a look at the 2008 results - who is missing from 2009? Here are those that didn't make the grade this year - either as they didn't make the top 100, or because they didn't enter:

2 Greater London Authority (hmmm, did someone forget to send in the paperwork?)